Answering The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Permits For Illinois Residents

When looking up information about disabled parking permits you may come across a lot of confusing information. With rules, regulations, and requirements varying from state to state, how do you know what applies to you?

Today we’re going to talk about some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to disability permits specifically for residents of Illinois. Hopefully this will provide you the answers that you are looking for.

Can you use an Illinois handicap placard in other states?

You are more than welcome to use your Illinois handicap placard in any state. This only applies to travelers. If you move to another state, you are required to get a new disability permit for that state. It also may be important for travelers to know that in some jurisdictions you may not be allowed to benefit from free parking, even if you have a meter exempt parking placard.

How Do You Get A Handicap Placard In Illinois?

Getting a handicap placard is rather easy for Illinois residents. First, what you need to do is see if you’re qualified by reading the disability requirements. If you meet these requirements you will then have to schedule a meeting with your doctor to get a medical assessment.

After this, you and your doctor can fill out the application and mail it in to the secretary of state or Illinois. To give you a better idea of what can qualify you for a disability parking permit, some of the more common requirements are listed below:

  • You can’t walk 200 feet or more without needing to rest
  • You have limited mobility due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
  • You are missing an arm
  • You have limited mobility in at least one arm
  • You have a forced expiratory volume of one second due to a severe lung condition

How Long Will It Take To Receive My Permit?

If you meet the disability requirements, get an assessment from your doctor, and turn in the application, it can take between 45 and 60 days to process. You will then receive your parking permit in the mail. This mainly applies to people who are applying for the permanent parking disability permit. If you are applying for the temporary disability parking placard, you can visit the Secretary of State offices in your county to receive the permit.

Can I Use My Disability Parking Permit In Different Vehicles?

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to disability parking permits in the state of Illinois is whether or not you can use the parking permit on more than one vehicle. The short answer is yes. As long as you are in the vehicle, the disability parking permit may be used. This can be incredibly convenient for those who can’t always drive themselves or have multiple vehicles in your family.

With all of this being said, it’s important to note that if you have handicap license plates, you cannot transfer these two other vehicles. You must reach out to your local DMV when needing to get new handicap plates for a different vehicle.

Who Qualifies For An Illinois Disabled Parking Permit?

This is a loaded question as there are many factors that go into whether you qualify or not in the state of Illinois for a disabled parking permit. Below you will find some of the more common disabilities or diseases that people who qualify for a handicap placard.

  • Vision impairment
  • Diseases that require oxygen tanks
  • Having a high risk of falling when walking
  • Obesity
  • The loss of one or multiple limbs
  • Different types of cancer
  • A disability that results in the use of a wheelchair or walker
  • Lung disease
  • A lack of motor skills
  • Most cardiac conditions such as heart disease

What Exactly Does A Handicap Placard Do?

If you’ve taken the necessary steps to apply for a disability parking permit and you get approved, x you maybe wondering what exactly that means. Many people don’t realize that having a handicap placard applies to more than just a closer parking spot.

Though this is the main benefit of having this permit, depending on the jurisdiction you live in, there may be a few other benefits that come with it. This can include things like extended time on parking meters, a waived fee at parking meters, and curbside parking.

Signs of Handicap Parking

There are a handful of ways to be able to tell if a parking spot or area is meant for handicapped individuals. The most well-known sign is the wheelchair symbol that is universal and painted on the ground on most handicap parking spots. In addition there is usually a sign in the front of the spot that lets drivers know that it is a handicap specific parking space.

There are also crosshatch parking spaces that can be found next to disability parking. These crosshatch parking spots should remain empty and are put in place to make it easier for people with wheelchair lifts to get in and out of the vehicle. There are also curbs that are painted specific colors to indicate handicap parking. These colors can vary from state to state, but they are most often blue or white.

Bottom Line

There are already so many myths and misconceptions about being disabled and disability permits. It doesn’t help that the rules and laws vary from state to state. This can make it even more stressful and overwhelming for someone to find the information they’re looking for.

Hopefully you found an answer to a question you’ve had on your mind. Make sure to check up on the laws for your specific county to make sure that you’re using your disability permit parking appropriately. Remember not to share it with loved ones unless you’re in the vehicle with them. Also, remind yourself that if you’re able-bodied or your illness isn’t visible that your disability is still valid and you deserve to use a handicap parking spot as much as anyone else who’s disabled.

How You Can Get Your Disabled Parking Permit in Illinois

If you’ve ever tried to get a disabled parking permit before, you know that it can be quite a complicated thing to do. The United States has different disabled parking permit laws and regulations set in place for each state. Depending on what state you live in, you may have to live in a specific city in order to get approved. To make the process a bit easier for Illinois residents, please follow the guide below.

Have the Necessary Qualifications

The first thing you need to do is to make sure you qualify for a disabled parking permit in the first place. Below you will find the requirements specifically for Illinois.

  • You can’t walk 200 feet or more without needing to rest
  • You have limited mobility due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
  • You are missing an arm
  • You have limited mobility in at least one arm
  • You have a forced expiratory volume of one second due to a severe lung condition

Meter Exempt Parking

If you don’t have the qualifications above, there is something that Illinois has called “Meter Exempt Parking”. This is only available to Illinois residents who have a valid Illinois license. In addition, you need a permit condition that meets the following qualifications:

  • Because of your wheelchair or similar device, you’re not able to get to a parking meter
  • You’re not able to walk for more than 20 feet without intense mobility impairment
  • You’re not able to reach above your head to a height of 42 inches from the ground
  • You can’t insert coins in a parking meter due to motor impairment in BOTH hands
  • You’re not able to get a ticking into a parking meter due to loss of motor control in BOTH hands

Meet With Your Physician

If you meet the qualifications above, your next step is to meet with your doctor. It is your doctor’s responsibility to certify that you are medically disabled and meet the necessary qualifications. After you’ve met with your physician and they’ve assessed that you are medically disabled, you can then begin the application process.

Both you and your doctor need to complete and turn in an application to the Secretary of State’s office. You can find the application online and print it out when you’re ready to complete it. Either the disabled individual or the physician can turn in the application. If your disability is permanent, you must mail in the application. If it is temporary, you can go into the Secretary of State’s office and get a temporary disability parking place card.

When You’re Approved

If you’ve gotten the stamp of approval for a disabled parking permit in Illinois, it’s important to use the permit correctly to get the most out of it. Make sure you know what type of parking permit you received: permanent or temporary. If you received a temporary permit, it’s important to know that it is only valid for six months. Seldomly, you may receive a temporary permit by accident when you were meant to receive a permanent one. If this happens to you, contact the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

If you receive a permanent disabled parking permit, the state of Illinois requires you to have it hanging from the rearview mirror between the back of the mirror and the windshield of the vehicle.

It has to be visible at all times and can not be used while the vehicle is moving. This can actually get you a ticket for obstruction if you have it hanging while driving. In the event that you do not have a rearview mirror, you can put the permit on the dashboard in a spot where it is clearly visible.

Renewing Your Permit

Your disabled parking permit if permanent is valid for five years. In the event that your place card is stolen or lost within those five years, it will cost you $10 to replace and you can click here to submit an application for a replacement parking permit.

Unfortunately, renewals are not automatic, though the state of Illinois will mail you a renewal notice to give you enough time to get a new one before your current one expires. If you’re ready to renew your parking permit, you must start from the beginning and resubmit and application with your doctor.

Where Can I Find the Secretary of State’s Office?

If you’re needing to get disabled license plates or turn in an application for temporary disably parking, you’ll need to know where your closest office is for the Secretary of State. Fortunately, there are several all throughout the state of Illinois. There are six in the Chicago area alone!

It is common to find at least one in every county, but depending on where you live, there may be more. You can visit this website and enter in your zip code, along with the distance you’re willing to travel from said zip code. This will give you the office nearest you for your convenience.

What About Handicapped Parking Space Abuse?

Unfortunately, we live in a world where not everyone abids by the rules. Because of this, you may see that some individuals abuse the use of a handicapped parking spots. If you see this being done, you can reach out to the Illinois Department of Public Safety. Before contacting them, you will need to write down the vehicles number in the space, along with a description of what you’ve observed.

Final Words

Obtaining a disabled parking permit in Illinois doesn’t have to be as difficult as it could be if you follow the instructions above. Be sure that you qualify for a permanent or temporary parking permit place card and meet with your primary doctor to get assessed and to fill out the application. It may be important to note that applications can take up to 60 days to get approved. Remember to keep the place card on your rearview mirror or dashboard when the car is parked and you’ll be good to go!

Where You Can Get A Disability Parking Permit In Illinois

When I comes to getting a disability parking permit, or handicap parking permit, where exactly you can get one will vary from state to state. Some states have them available when I comes to getting a disability parking permit, or handicap parking permit, where exactly you can get one will vary from state to state. Some states have them of you available at the Department of Motor Vehicles, while others require you to make a trip to your local city office.

What About Illinois?

For the state of Illinois you are required to go through the Secretary of State’s office. There is usually one of these offices available in each county. Largest cities, such as Chicago, have multiple offices for the Secretary of State. You can find the one closest to you by entering in your city or zip code here and then choose how far you’re willing to travel.

Getting Qualified

Before you visit any city office, make sure that you qualify for disability parking permit in the state of Illinois. There are a variety of diseases and disabilities that qualify for the handicap placard. Some of these can be issues such as vision impairment, obesity, lung disease, or a certain type of cancer. There is a process when it comes to getting qualified. First, take a look at this list below to see if you made the necessary requirements.

  • You can’t walk 200 feet without rest
  • Your mobility is severely impaired due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
  • You have loss of function or are missing your hand or arm
  • You have lung disease to such a degree that your forced expiratory volume (FEV) is 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter

In addition, you may also be approved for a meter-exempt permit as well. This is exactly what it sounds like. With this pass you’ll be able to park at peters without paying a fee and often times you’re able to park in spots for longer periods of time. To see if you qualify for a meter-exempt permit in the state of Illinois, take a look at the requirements below:

  • You can’t manage, manipulate or insert coins, or obtain tickets in parking meters and ticket machines due to lack of fine motor control in both hands
  • You can’t reach above your head to a height of 42 inches above the ground because of impaired arm strength or mobility
  • Because of your wheelchair or other device, you can’t approach parking meter
  • You can’t walk more than 20 feet with extreme mobility impairment

Medical Permission

Meeting the qualifications and requirements above aren’t the only things you have to do in order to get a disability parking permit that is valid in Illinois. You will also need to have a medical assessment done by physician. You and the physician will need to both fill out the application for a disability parking permit. This will need to be done when a permanent handicap placard expires, which happens to be every five years.

Handicap Parking Etiquette

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about etiquette and how it relates to handicap parking. Whether you or a loved one is disabled, there are proper procedures to follow when it comes to handicap parking. Many people have heard of myths or have misconceptions about handicap parking. Below you will find a handful of etiquette rules to follow that will make it easier on you or anyone else who is using a handicap parking space.

Different Types of Spaces

First we’re going to be discussing the different types of handicap parking spots. Many people think that all handicap parking spaces are the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are technically three types of handicap parking spaces that people with disability parking permits can use. There is a standard parking space, a one-sided entry wheelchair van parking space, and a two-sided entry wheelchair van parking space. Many states, including Illinois, don’t have laws that specify which of the three parking spaces you need to park in.

The type of parking spot that most people are acquainted with is a standard handicap parking spot. You are usually find these spaces with a stenciled wheelchair icon painted on the pavement. There will also be a blue and white sign at the front of the parking space reading is that it is for handicap parking only. The standard handicap parking is best used by those who drive smaller vehicles or don’t use a wheelchair.

On the other hand, if you do use a wheelchair or drive a large vehicle such as a van, you may need to park in a one or two sided entry wheelchair van parking spot. These are usually visible with a sign that says “van accessible”. These spots are much wider and provide enough room on each side of the parking space to allow people to easily get in and out of the vehicle in a wheelchair.

Illegal Permit Use

Another handicap etiquette you should follow is to legally use your permit. This means you should only be using a permit if you are in the vehicle. Disability parking permits are not to be used by family members or friends for any reason if you or the disabled individual is not in the vehicle. Landon your parking permit to friends and family when you’re not in the vehicle can result in you losing the handicap permit.

Judgement From Others

When people think of the word etiquette, they often think of manners and how you treat others. Whether you are disabled or you have a loved one who is disabled, it is important not to judge people who are using handicap parking. Not every illness is visible.

People are approved for disability parking permits for a number of reasons. It is a fairly thorough process to get approved for and can take a lot of effort for some patients. Chances are, if someone is using a handicap parking spot, a medical professional has come to the conclusion that it is medically necessary.

How To Get a Handicap Parking Permit in Illinois

Curious how to get a handicap parking permit in Illinois?

As many people are well-aware, being disabled has plenty of downsides. It can greatly affect a person’s mood if they focus on the negatives, which is exactly why we want to share with you some of the benefits of having a disabled parking permit. It is important to note that while the majority of the benefits are the same from state to state, they do differ somewhat. Below you’ll read all about the benefits of a disabled parking permit for Illinois residence.

Making Sure You’re Qualified

The first thing that you need to do, is make sure that you meet the qualifications necessary to be approved for a temporary or permanent disabled parking permit in Illinois. Below you will find the current requirements for both types of place cards, along with something that you may be approved for if you do not find yourself qualified for a parking permit for your disability.

Temporary and Permanent Disabled Parking Permit

In order to be approved for a disabled parking permit, you need to meet at least one of the criteria listed below. You are required to have a medical assessment done by your primary care doctor before you can even fill out an application.

  • You can’t walk 200 feet or more without needing to rest
  • You have limited mobility due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
  • You are missing one or both arms
  • You have limited mobility in at least one arm
  • You have a severe lung condition

Meter Exempt Parking

It may feel like the end of the world if you don’t get approved or have the qualifications required for a disabled parking permit for the state of Illinois. Luckily there’s another option called a Meter Exempt Pass. In order to be approved for this pass, you have to have a current, valid drivers licence for the state of Illinois. If you already have one of those, you must also meet at least one of the qualifications below:

  • You can’t get to a parking meter due to a wheelchair or similar device
  • You can’t walk for 20 feet or more without experiencing severe mobility impairment
  • You find yourself not able to put your hands above your head so that they reach at least 42 inches of height from the ground.
  • Due to a motor impairment in both of your hands, you’re not able to insert coins or parking passes into the meter
  • You’re not able to get a parking permit ticket into the meter due to lack of motor ability in both hands

Benefits of Using a Disabled Parking Permit

Once you know how to get a handicap parking permit in Illinois, it’s time to use it. It’s important that you have your disabled parking permit visible at all times that your vehicle is not in motion. This can be done by hanging it behind the rearview mirror or placing it on your dashboard. Here you’ll find some of the main benefits of having a disabled parking permit.

Blue Curbs

Other than a handicap parking spot, or you may also see a strip of blue paint along the curb. Depending on where you live this is also considered a parking place for those with disabilities. This can make it a little bit easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

Close Parking Spots

One of the main purposes and benefits of using a disabled parking permit is to park in handicap parking spaces. These spaces are marked by a wheelchair symbol that is actually the international symbol of access.

This allows you to park in a spot that is closest to the place in which you are going. This can create A lot less fatigue on your arms if you’re physically moving your wheelchair or struggle with walking. If handicap parking spaces are full, you are more than welcome to park in non-handicapped parking spots as well.

You may also want to keep in mind that when you’re parking in a disabled handicapped parking spot, if the spot next to you has diagonal white lines, this is for wheelchair ramps and lifts.

Parking Meter Discounts

Another great benefit, especially if you live in the city, is the ability to park in and on the street parking spot that is metered without needing to pay. Some states have a limited time space marked by a green curb where disabled people may park along the street as well without needing to pay a fee or adhere to the time limit. In states such as Pennsylvania, you will be able to park for 60 minutes longer than the posted a time if you’re parking in a normal on street parking space.

Limitations in Illinois

Well the majority of the states have the same limitations, we wanted to share with you some that you will find in Illinois. The main limitation is that the parking permit can only be used by the person it is issued to. This means you cannot let anyone borrow it or use it without you in the vehicle.

Having a disabled parking permit also does not allow you to park in no parking zones that can be found by signage or red-painted curbs. You will also not be able to park in spaces that are reserved for specific types of vehicles such as garbage trucks or freight loading vehicles.

Bottom Line

As taboo as it may sound, having a disabled parking permit has its benefits. Whether that benefit is the ability to park closer to the building you’re going in, saving money on parking meters, or even the ability to park somewhere for an extended period of time.

It is important to remember that the parking permit should be in view at all times the vehicle is parked. In addition, make sure your parking permit is up to date. Temporary permits expire in the state of Illinois after six months. Permanent parking permits are good for five years before needing to be renewed. Now that you know how to get a handicap parking permit in Illinois, you can begin the process.

Top 10 Myths About Disabled Parking

There are a plethora of myths when it comes to disabled parking. This is greatly due to the lack of knowledge people have about the topic. That, along with stereotypes can create a lot of misinformation. Though there are several myths, we are going to be covering the 10 most common that affect the disabled drivers of Illinois.

1. Disabled Parking Permits Are Hard To Get

Several people think that it is incredibly difficult to get a handicap parking permit. Though there are a lot of steps you may have to take, it isn’t all that difficult. There are a few variances between the steps you need to take depending on which state you live in.

The difficulty level this can take depends on your condition. For the most part you will need to make sure you meet your states qualifications, get an assessment by your primary care physician and fill out an application.

2. Disabled Parking Is Only For People In Wheelchairs

Many people believe that handicap parking is for people in wheelchairs only. Chances are, if you’re not in a wheelchair but you are disabled, you may have experienced some dirty looks from parking in the spot.

You do not have to be in a wheelchair in order to us disabled parking. There are several reasons that can qualify you for a disabled parking permit. This can range from something as simple as vision impairment to a more serious disease such as lung disease.

3. People Who Can Walk Don’t Deserve Disabled Parking

This myth is just as ridiculous as it sounds. This myth L is just as ridiculous as it sounds. As you just read, people who can walk may still need to use disabled parking. There is judgment you may receive from people nearby that is out of your control.

If you’re able to legally park in a disabled parking space, that means a physician has determined that you meet the requirements. This could also serve as an opportunity to teach someone that there are a variety of disabilities that get approved for handicap place cards.

4. Parking Permits Are For The Elderly

Several people associate handicapped parking with the elderly. This can leave people perplexed when they see a younger person getting out of a car with a handicap place card. Unfortunately, people of all ages get severe disabilities that caused them to need disabled parking.

ust because someone is older or younger doesn’t mean they cannot be disabled. As long as you have a valid driver’s license for the state you live in, you may be qualified for a disabled parking permit, despite your age

5. The Crosshatch Parking Spot Is Legal To Park In

Many people don’t recognize or know the meaning of the crosshatch parking space next to disable the parking spot. Whether you’re disabled or not, this is not a parking spot.

This space is reserved so that individuals can easily get in and out of their vehicles if they have a wheelchair lift. Please refrain from parking in crosshatch parking places, as you could prevent someone fin a wheelchair from being able to get out of their vehicle.

6. Non-Disabled People Can Use Handicap Parking

Believe it or not, there are some people who think that anybody can park in a handicap parking spot as long as they’re only gone for a few minutes. Others also think it’s alright to park in these designated spots as long as all the other parking spaces are taken.

Both of these are completely false. It doesn’t matter if you’re going into a gas station for two minutes or if every other parking spot is filled, if you are not disabled, you are not legally allowed to park in handicap parking spot.

7. You Aren’t Able To Transfer Your Permit

Many people think that you’re not able to transfer your place card to another vehicle. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. As long as you or whoever is disabled is in the vehicle, you can use the disabled parking permit. This means you can use it in just about any vehicle.

Unfortunately, if you have handicap license plates these cannot be switched to another car so easily. You must go through the DMV to switch your handicap plates to a new vehicle if needed.

8. People Who Can Drive Are Not Disabled

Many people believe the myth that if you’re able to drive you are not disabled. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are plenty of invisible illnesses that can prevent people from living an ordinary life.

There are also people approved for disabled permit parking passes you have illnesses that don’t affect their ability to drive, but affect their mobility when walking or moving around. Just because you may not be able to see someone’s illness doesn’t mean that they don’t have it.

9. You Must Have A Visible Disability To Get A Disabled Parking Permit

As you just read, not all disabilities are visible. There are certain requirements and qualifications that one needs to meet in order to be approved for a disabled parking permit. These can be things such as vision impairments, lung disease, and more.

Whether you have a heart issue, respiratory problems, or even a prosthetic limb, you can get approved for a disability parking permit. Many of these disabilities are not visible to others, but they still qualify you as disabled.

10. People Can Borrow Your Permit If Needed

Unfortunately, nobody can use a handicap place card besides the person it is assigned to. That being said as long as the disabled person is in the vehicle the place card maybe used. You are not able to lend your disability permit to friends and family for any reason, even if you really. Doing this could result in your permit being revoked.Make sure you’re using the disabled permit place card legally to protect your ability to reap the benefits of having one.